Reading is a window to the world. Inquiry provides a framework for learning. Ethical behavior in the use of information must be taught.

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2 Reading is a window to the world. Reading is a foundational skill for learning, personal growth, and enjoyment. The degree to which students can read and understand text in all formats (e.g., picture, video, print) and all contexts is a key indicator of success in school and in life. As a lifelong learning skill, reading goes beyond decoding and comprehension to interpretation and development of new understandings. Inquiry provides a framework for learning. To become independent learners, students must gain not only the skills but also the disposition to use those skills, along with an understanding of their own responsibilities and self-assessment strategies. Combined, these four elements build a learner who can thrive in a complex information environment. Ethical behavior in the use of information must be taught. In this increasingly global world of information, students must be taught to seek diverse perspectives, gather and use information ethically, and use social tools responsibly and safely. Technology skills are crucial for future employment needs. Today s students need to develop information skills that will enable them to use technology as an important tool for learning, both now and in the future. Equitable access is a key component for education. All children deserve equitable access to books and reading, to information, and to information technology in an environment that is safe and conducive to learning.

3 The definition of information literacy has become more complex as resources and technologies have changed. Information literacy has progressed from the simple definition of using reference resources to find information. Multiple literacies, including digital, visual, textual, and technological, have now joined information literacy as crucial skills for this century. The continuing expansion of information demands that all individuals acquire the thinking skills that will enable them to learn on their own. The amount of information available to our learners necessitates that each individual acquire the skills to select, evaluate, and use information appropriately and effectively. LEARNERS USE SKILLS, RESOURCES, & TOOLS TO: 1 2 Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge. Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge. Learning has a social context. Learning is enhanced by opportunities to share and learn with others. Students need to develop skills in sharing knowledge and learning with others, both in face-to-face situations and through technology. School libraries are essential to the development of learning skills. School libraries provide equitable physical and intellectual access to the resources and tools required for learning in a warm, stimulating, and safe environment. School librarians collaborate with others to provide instruction, learning strategies, and practice in using the essential learning skills needed in the 21st century. 3 4 Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society. Pursue personal and aesthetic growth.

4 LEARNERS USE SKILLS, RESOURCES, & TOOLS TO: 1 Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge. 1.1 Skills Follow an inquirybased process in seeking knowledge in curricular subjects, and make the realworld connection for using this process in own life Use prior and background knowledge as context for new learning Develop and refine a range of questions to frame the search for new understanding Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions Evaluate information found in selected sources on the basis of accuracy, validity, appropriateness for needs, importance, and social and cultural context Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format (e.g., textual, visual, media, digital) in order to make inferences and gather meaning Make sense of information gathered from diverse sources by identifying misconceptions, main and supporting ideas, conflicting information, and point of view or bias Demonstrate mastery of technology tools for accessing information and pursuing inquiry Collaborate with others to broaden and deepen understanding. 1.2 Dispositions Display initiative and engagement by posing questions and investigating the answers beyond the collection of superficial facts Demonstrate confidence and selfdirection by making independent choices in the selection of resources and information Demonstrate creativity by using multiple resources and formats Maintain a critical stance by questioning the validity and accuracy of all information Demonstrate adaptability by changing the inquiry focus, questions, resources, or strategies when necessary to achieve success Display emotional resilience by persisting in information searching despite challenges Display persistence by continuing to pursue information to gain a broad perspective. 1.3 Responsibilities Respect copyright/ intellectual property rights of creators and producers Seek divergent perspectives during information gathering and assessment Follow ethical and legal guidelines in gathering and using information Contribute to the exchange of ideas within the learning community Use information technology responsibly. 1.4 Self-Assessment Monitor own information-seeking processes for effectiveness and progress, and adapt as necessary Use interaction with and feedback from teachers and peers to guide own inquiry process Monitor gathered information, and assess for gaps or weaknesses Seek appropriate help when it is needed.

5 LEARNERS USE SKILLS, RESOURCES, & TOOLS TO: 2 Draw conclusions, make informed decisions, apply knowledge to new situations, and create new knowledge. 2.1 Skills Continue an inquirybased research process by applying criticalthinking skills (analysis, synthesis, evaluation, organization) to information and knowledge in order to construct new understandings, draw conclusions, and create new knowledge Organize knowledge so that it is useful Use strategies to draw conclusions from information and apply knowledge to curricular areas, realworld situations, and further investigations Use technology and other information tools to analyze and organize information Collaborate with others to exchange ideas, develop new understandings, make decisions, and solve problems Use the writing process, media and visual literacy, and technology skills to create products that express new understandings. 2.2 Dispositions Demonstrate flexibility in the use of resources by adapting information strategies to each specific resource and by seeking additional resources when clear conclusions cannot be drawn Use both divergent and convergent thinking to formulate alternative conclusions and test them against the evidence Employ a critical stance in drawing conclusions by demonstrating that the pattern of evidence leads to a decision or conclusion Demonstrate personal productivity by completing products to express learning. 2.3 Responsibilities Connect understanding to the real world Consider diverse and global perspectives in drawing conclusions Use valid information and reasoned conclusions to make ethical decisions. 2.4 Self-Assessment Determine how to act on information (accept, reject, modify) Reflect on systematic process, and assess for completeness of investigation Recognize new knowledge and understanding Develop directions for future investigations.

6 LEARNERS USE SKILLS, RESOURCES, & TOOLS TO: 3 Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society. 3.1 Skills Conclude an inquirybased research process by sharing new understandings and reflecting on the learning Participate and collaborate as members of a social and intellectual network of learners Use writing and speaking skills to communicate new understandings effectively Use technology and other information tools to organize and display knowledge and understanding in ways that others can view, use, and assess Connect learning to community issues Use information and technology ethically and responsibly. 3.2 Dispositions Demonstrate leadership and confidence by presenting ideas to others in both formal and informal situations Show social responsibility by participating actively with others in learning situations and by contributing questions and ideas during group discussions Demonstrate teamwork by working productively with others Use knowledge and information skills and dispositions to engage in public conversation and debate around issues of common concern Create products that apply to authentic, real-world contexts Contribute to the exchange of ideas within and beyond the learning community Use information and knowledge in the service of democratic values Respect the principles of intellectual freedom. 3.3 Responsibilities Solicit and respect diverse perspectives while searching for information, collaborating with others, and participating as a member of the community Respect the differing interests and experiences of others, and seek a variety of viewpoints. 3.4 Self-Assessment Assess the processes by which learning was achieved in order to revise strategies and learn more effectively in the future Assess the quality and effectiveness of the learning product Assess own ability to work with others in a group setting by evaluating varied roles, leadership, and demonstrations of respect for other viewpoints.

7 LEARNERS USE SKILLS, RESOURCES, & TOOLS TO: 4 Pursue personal and aesthetic growth. 4.1 Skills Read, view, and listen for pleasure and personal growth Read widely and fluently to make connections with self, the world, and previous reading Respond to literature and creative expressions of ideas in various formats and genres Seek information for personal learning in a variety of formats and genres Connect ideas to own interests and previous knowledge and experience Organize personal knowledge in a way that can be called upon easily Use social networks and information tools to gather and share information Use creative and artistic formats to express personal learning. 4.2 Dispositions Display curiosity by pursuing interests through multiple resources Demonstrate motivation by seeking information to answer personal questions and interests, trying a variety of formats and genres, and displaying a willingness to go beyond academic requirements Maintain openness to new ideas by considering divergent opinions, changing opinions or conclusions when evidence supports the change, and seeking information about new ideas encountered through academic or personal experiences Show an appreciation for literature by electing to read for pleasure and expressing an interest in various literary genres. 4.3 Responsibilities Participate in the social exchange of ideas, both electronically and in person Recognize that resources are created for a variety of purposes Seek opportunities for pursuing personal and aesthetic growth Practice safe and ethical behaviors in personal electronic communication and interaction. 4.4 Self-Assessment Identify own areas of interest Recognize the limits of own personal knowledge Recognize how to focus efforts in personal learning Interpret new information based on cultural and social context Develop personal criteria for gauging how effectively own ideas are expressed Evaluate own ability to select resources that are engaging and appropriate for personal interests and needs.

8 American Association of School Librarians 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL by the American Library Association Permission to use, reproduce, and distribute this document is hereby granted for private, non-commercial, and education purposes only. ISBN (bundle of 12) This publication is available for download at Multiple copies may be purchased from the ALA store at or by calling 866-SHOP ALA. 21st CENTURY LEARNERS Skills Dispositions Responsibilities Self-Assessment Key abilities needed Ongoing beliefs Common behaviors Reflections on one s for understanding, and attitudes that used by independent own learning to learning, thinking, guide thinking and learners in researching, determine that the and mastering intellectual behavior investigating, and skills, dispositions, subjects. that can be measured problem solving. and responsibilities through actions taken. are effective. key question key question key question key question Does the student have Is the student disposed Is the student aware that Can the student recognize the right proficiencies to higher-level thinking the foundational traits for personal strengths and to explore a topic or and actively engaged in 21st-century learning require weaknesses over time and subject further? critical thinking to gain self-accountability that extends become a stronger, more and share knowledge? beyond skills and dispositions? independent learner?